The VALORANT Champions 2025 playoffs in Paris have delivered a masterclass in competitive esports, showcasing not just tactical brilliance but also the raw emotional rollercoaster that defines top-tier play. The Upper Bracket Semifinals were no exception, serving up two electrifying series that saw Fnatic defy expectations and NRG prove its unwavering resilience. With every round, the stakes climbed higher, painting a vivid picture of what it truly means to contend for the ultimate VALORANT trophy.
Fnatic`s Unlikely Heroics Against Paper Rex
In perhaps the most compelling narrative of the day, EMEA`s Fnatic, a team already considered a titan, faced an unforeseen challenge: their star sentinel, Alfajer, was sidelined due to health complications. Stepping into those rather large shoes was Domagoj ‘Doma’ Fancev. Many might have expected a stumble, a moment of weakness for the EMEA squad against the formidable Pacific champions, Paper Rex. Instead, what unfolded was a testament to Fnatic`s depth and mental fortitude.
The series began on Paper Rex’s chosen battleground, Bind. Despite Fnatic`s mid-map defensive surge, where Kajetan ‘kaajak’ Haremski shone brightly and Doma’s contributions were noteworthy, PRX ultimately edged out a 13-10 victory. Fnatic`s cautious attacking approach felt a tad out of character, a detail PRX`s Khalish ‘d4v41’ Rusyaidee exploited with surgical precision through well-timed flanks.
Then came Haven, a map where Fnatic truly found its stride. After conceding the pistol round, Fnatic’s economic recovery set the stage for kaajak to unleash a Yoru rampage. But it was Jake ‘Boaster’ Howlett, Fnatic`s in-game leader, who truly orchestrated the comeback. His intelligent reads on PRX`s aggressive, information-starved plays allowed Fnatic`s Gen.G-popularized Viper post-plant setup to flourish, leading to a dominant 13-4 win.
The decider on Lotus will undoubtedly be etched into VALORANT history. Fnatic, after securing the pistol, found themselves in a perilous 3-9 deficit on their attack side. PRX`s Jason ‘f0rsakeN’ Susanto seemed to have A-site on lockdown, leaving Fnatic looking for answers. What happened next was nothing short of miraculous: Fnatic mounted a staggering comeback, winning an incredible ten consecutive rounds on defense. Anticipating PRX`s pressure on the seemingly vulnerable C-site, guarded by Doma, Fnatic executed flawless retakes and stifled PRX`s pushes on other sites, closing out Lotus 13-9. It was a victory forged in adaptability and unwavering resolve, proving that even with a stand-in, Fnatic remains a terrifying force.
NRG Outlasts MIBR in an Americas Derby for the Ages
The second Upper Bracket Semifinal pitted two VCT Americas powerhouses, NRG and MIBR, against each other in a clash that delivered record-breaking individual performances and nail-biting overtime finishes.
The first map, Abyss, immediately set the tone. NRG started strong, but MIBR’s star duelist, Erick ‘aspas’ Santos, quickly ignited, leveraging his signature Jett plays to bring MIBR back into contention. The second half was a showcase of raw aim duels and strategic exchanges, with MIBR`s explosive site entries meeting NRG`s methodical retakes. Despite MIBR’s on-site smoke plays for aspas, NRG`s in-game leader Ethan ‘Ethan’ Arnold and rookie duelist Adam ‘mada’ Pampuch delivered clutch plays that forced and eventually secured an overtime victory, 16-14.
MIBR then delivered a masterclass on Haven, utilizing the Gen.G-inspired Viper/Omen composition to perfection. NRG`s Ethan, typically reliant on fast, pre-set strategies, struggled against MIBR’s disciplined defense and map control, ultimately falling 13-4. It was a stark reminder that even the best IGLs can be tested to their limits.
The final map, Corrode, became another epic overtime saga. Both teams showcased strong attack sides with their solo-Waylay compositions. MIBR’s versatile pacing allowed aspas to shine once more, securing five crucial attack rounds on a typically defense-favored map. However, a pivotal thrifty round in the second half shifted the momentum decisively towards NRG. Despite heroic efforts from MIBR`s IGL Andrew ‘Verno’ Maust and an unforgettable overtime ACE from aspas, NRG’s relentless pressure proved too much. They clinched Corrode 16-14, sealing their spot in the Upper Bracket Final.
aspas`s performance throughout the series deserves special mention. With an astounding KDA of 80/42/6, he shattered the record for the most kills in a VCT global event. While a monumental individual achievement, it was a bittersweet record, underscoring the heartbreaking reality that even unparalleled individual brilliance isn`t always enough to secure victory in a team-centric game like VALORANT.
The Road Ahead: Upper Bracket Final and Lower Bracket Gauntlet
With these intense battles concluded, Fnatic and NRG are set to face off in the Upper Bracket Final on October 3rd at the iconic Accor Arena in Paris. This clash promises to be a spectacle of strategic depth and individual skill, with both teams bringing unparalleled momentum.
Meanwhile, Paper Rex and MIBR are relegated to the perilous Lower Bracket, where every match is an elimination game. They will fight for their tournament lives tomorrow, with Paper Rex taking on EMEA`s Team Heretics, and MIBR battling Pacific`s DRX. The path to the Grand Final just became significantly more arduous, demanding every ounce of mental and tactical fortitude these teams possess.
VALORANT Champions 2025 continues to deliver unforgettable moments, proving that in the unpredictable world of esports, resilience, adaptability, and a touch of underdog spirit can lead to the most captivating victories.
